Analyst Angle: Personal smart devices drive Latin American mobile security services demand

Security is becoming a central focus for mobile services as personal smart devices occupy an increasing position in storing personal and professional data. Enterprises tend to adopt mobile device management applications in an attempt to guarantee security of corporate data and communication and deal with the phenomenon of consumerization or “bring-your-own-device,” as employees increasingly bring personal smart devices for use in corporate facilities.
With MDM applications, companies also look to increase employee productivity and collaboration in terms of applying updates and preventive actions over-the-air. MDM solutions have emerged as an effective tool to manage devices, users, groups and polices from a single-user interface. These solutions also ensure that mobile devices work properly, including having updated software, maintaining the latest security features and providing appropriate reporting and feedback on device performance. This can be done by separating the corporate data that can be accessed by the employees in addition to either deleting or blocking information if an employee loses their device. For the mass market, operators also have security solutions available through partners.
The choice of technology providers with a vision in line with consumerization is a strategic decision to ensure that am operator’s portfolio adapts to this new reality. These mobile security services include antivirus, insurance, remote wipe and storage/backup to the cloud. Major Latin American telecom operators, including Vivo, Claro and TIM, all have in place a strategy to foster the development of mobile security services.
Vivo has its “Online Security” solution in partnership with F-Secure and FSVAS. For smartphones and tablets, the service includes antivirus, firewall and anti-theft tools that allow the client to locate a stolen phone, remotely lock and delete its contents. TIM’s “Protect” solution includes anti-theft, antivirus, antispyware, backup and insurance in partnership with Assurant, Mapfre and Generali Brasil Seguros.
Claro, in partnership with NQ Mobile, offers remote lock, remote wipe, location, SMS alert in case of SIM card exchange, alarm, command sending via Web or SMS, antivirus, antispyware, anti-spam and backup. Consumer and enterprise demands will open up new market opportunities, forcing actors in the connected landscape to look beyond existing offerings.
Carina Goncalves began her professional path within GMattos, a consulting company specializing in the electronic commerce industry. She then acquired further experience in the telecommunications sector working for Axoon Telecom in different areas such as strategic analysis, product development and marketing (her area of specialization). Since August 2013, Goncalves has been a research analyst at Frost & Sullivan´s Telecom practice in Latin America.
Editor’s Note: Welcome to our weekly feature, Analyst Angle. We’ve collected a group of the industry’s leading analysts to give their outlook on the hot topics in the wireless industry.